Peter Siddle determined to prove worth for Australia in first Test against West Indies
Tuesday 8 December 2015 12:12, UK
Peter Siddle admits he will be playing for his place in Australia's new-look bowling attack during this week's first Test against the West Indies in Hobart.
Siddle has recovered from a back problem picked up in the day-night Test win over New Zealand in Adelaide last month to take his place in a side that needs his experience without leading pacemen Mitchell Starc (foot) and Mitchell Johnson (retirement).
But the 31-year-old, who has played 56 Tests for his country, knows he must produce after being overlooked for the first two Tests against the Black Caps.
Australian selectors' new policy to opt for bowlers bowling at speeds of above 87 mph have complicated things for Siddle, with Nathan Coulter-Nile picked in the Hobart squad despite not playing a four-day game since March.
"Essentially I am playing for my place," said Siddle. "Being out of the side for so long and having a couple of games here and there makes you feel like that.
"I have to get out there and perform well, get the body right."
Siddle said a chat with Glenn McGrath, who took 563 Test wickets despite rarely bowling more than 85mph, convinced him he still has a future despite selectors' policy.
"Look at his performances. He hasn't got that speed, it's about skill and going on the conditions," he said. "Glenn McGrath is probably the perfect example.
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"He's been our greatest fast bowler and he struggled to touch that (140kph) once in his career. That's a good example to go by. I spoke to him a lot, trying to build my game on him, how he was consistent, his patience and being able to work batsmen over."
Siddle became the 15th Australian to break the 200 Test wicket barrier in Adelaide.
"It was nice getting a bit of a rest getting back (home) - it was nice finishing the Adelaide Test match early," he said. "But the back is good. It has pulled up well."
